By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise tackling Nigeria’s growing insecurity over political activities.
Tambuwal made the appeal on Thursday during a sympathy visit to victims of recent bandit attacks in Bodinga Local Government Area, where he commiserated with affected communities and families displaced by the violence.
Addressing residents, the former governor described the persistent attacks across Sokoto State and other parts of the country as alarming, stressing that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property.
“We are here in Bodinga Local Government to sympathise with the people over the recent bandit attacks. We are deeply concerned about what is happening here, across Sokoto State and indeed the entire country,” he said.
Tambuwal expressed concern that the Federal Government appeared to be paying more attention to politics than to addressing the country’s security crisis.
“This is the time the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should focus on the number one responsibility of government as enshrined in the Constitution—the security of lives and property.
“The President, his team and his party should devote their energy to addressing insecurity rather than engaging in electioneering activities,” he said.
He urged the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to redirect the administration’s focus towards restoring peace and security nationwide.
“It is only when people are safe and secure that they can fully benefit from roads and other infrastructure,” Tambuwal added.
The former governor also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying he backed the constitutional amendment despite concerns that some governors could abuse the arrangement for political purposes.
According to him, strengthening security institutions remains essential for national development.
Reflecting on an earlier attack in Tureta Local Government Area, where more than 80 people were reportedly killed, Tambuwal offered prayers for the victims and announced a donation of N10 million to displaced families in Bodinga and another N10 million to displaced families in Tureta, bringing his total humanitarian support to N20 million.
He said the assistance would complement relief efforts by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“May Allah grant those who lost their lives Aljannatul Firdaus and bring an end to this menace,” he prayed.